Topics in Compliance

Topics In Compliance

In an effort to provide a comprehensive repository of compliance resources for SUNY campuses consolidated into one location on the web, the SUNY Compliance Office has created compliance topic pages that consist of information and resources on particular compliance topics.

Compliance at SUNY is unique - it involves compliance with Federal and State laws that apply to higher education generally, and to the types of activities that SUNY engages in, and also involves compliance with SUNY System-wide policies and procedures enacted by the Board and System Administration offices. Many of SUNY's policies originate speficially from a law, and further codify the obligations that SUNY institutions have with respect to that law.

See the menu of topic headings on the left side of the page

The SUNY Compliance website and the topics on the page will continue to grow over time. Check back often, and look in the WHATS NEW section to find out what new content has been added to the site.

What’s New to the Compliance Website

A new System-wide Information Security Policy, Doc. No. 6900, was adopted by the Board of Trustees September 2016 to ensure that the SUNY’s information assets, including academic, health, research, financial, and other information deemed non-public, are adequately safeguarded. The Policy applies to Community Colleges, State-operated campuses, and Statutory Colleges.

Gender Identity Equality: A newly adopted New York State regulation now formally prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of gender identity and transgender status under the New York State Human Rights Law. The regulations (9 NYCRR §466.13) are effective as of January 20, 2016. The SUNY Compliance webpage on Gender Identity Equality discusses what we know about the new law and its impact.

NYS Human Rights Law: The New York State Human Rights Law is Article 15 of the Executive Law prohibits discrimination on the basis of age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, sex, marital status or disability in employment, housing, education, credit, and access to public accommodations. The law was updated in 2015 to enhance employees’ rights in the workplace, specifically regarding workplace discrimination and the categories of protected classes that employers are now explicitly prohibited from discriminating against. The laws became effective on January 19, 2016. The compliance webpage includes a guidance document detailing the various changes and newly afforded protections under the law.

Sexual Violence Prevention Resources:

SUNY Sexual Assault & Violence Resources (SAVR): Custom “Sexual Assault & Violence Resources (SAVR)” web-based tool to support victims to support victims of sexual assault or interpersonal violence, whether the victim attends a SUNY school or lives in any one of New York State’s communities. Tools can be customized for use by states and colleges nationally at no cost.

A Plain Language Explanation of Distinctions Between the New York State Penal Law and the College Disciplinary Processes: The 2015 NYS legislation creating Article 129-B requires that college or other officials explain differences between the college process and the criminal justice process in addressing sexual and interpersonal violence. To assist public and private colleges across New York State in complying with this requirement, a small team of attorneys got together to develop a uniform, plain-language document that applies generally. The document is intended to help college officials who are working directly with students explain the differences between the criminal justice system and college disciplinary processes and answer questions. The document is available as a user-friendly website. The site includes the text of the cover memo we prepared, the resource table itself, and the options to download the resource (without the cover memo) as a PDF or Word document, so campuses can refine or personalize to their compliance needs.

SUNY Compliance Listservs

In addition, several other Compliance listserv's are maintained in conjunction with particular compliance topics. To join one of these listservs, e-mail the Director of Compliance, who will pass the request along to the appropriate SUNY contact.

Internal Listservs for SUNY Personnel There are many internal SUNY listservs for the following compliance topics/functions:

Internal Controls Officer and Enterprise Risk Management Listserv - for SUNY campuses charged with facilitating compliance with the Internal Controls Act NYS law, and for those who have been designated with ERM responsibilities at their campus

The information contained on the SUNY Compliance website is for general campus guidance only and is not intended, nor can be relied upon, as legal advice or the imposition on SUNY campuses of specific policies or requirements. The site is intended to be an informational-only clearinghouse for some of the laws, rules, and regulations that may impact the State University of New York’s campuses. Additionally, given the rapid, changing nature of laws, rules and regulations, there may be delays or omissions contained on this site which therefore cannot be relied upon as complete. For complete compliance information, consult your campus compliance officials. For legal advice, consult your lawyer.